by Sam Crescent
Chapter Four
Theo: I loved spending time with you.
Ruby: I did too. You’re not so bad.
Theo: You looking forward to next week?
Ruby: School or date?
Theo: Both.
Ruby: School.
Theo: I’ll make you pay for that.
Ruby: I’m so afraid.
Theo: We’ll see.
Ruby: I look forward to seeing you.
Theo couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as he waited for Ruby to make an appearance in school. He’d arrived early to get everything he needed from his locker. Now, he stood outside of the school with his buddies, but he was waiting for Ruby to arrive. Her car parking space was still clear. He checked the time and saw she still had ten minutes to arrive.
He’d wanted to go and see her over the weekend, but Mike convinced him to give her time.
All he’d allowed himself were a few texts.
“You’re acting so uncool right now. I think we should kick you off the team.”
“Screw you.”
“You know the cheerleaders are mega pissed at you.”
“Why?”
“You’ve got a thing for a different chick. An outsider and they don’t like it.”
Theo smiled as he watched Ruby pull into the parking spot. “Look at my face, dude. It doesn’t give a fuck.” He slapped Mike on the back and walked over to the girl on his mind. Opening the door for her, he bent down. “Morning, beautiful.”
“What are you doing?”
“You’re always so cynical. I thought that was supposed to happen in old age.”
“I’ve aged before my time.”
“How old are you?” he asked.
“I’m sixty.”
“You’re a hot piece of ass for sixty.”
She laughed. “Wow, you have a way with words.”
“You bring out the natural poet in me.”
She climbed out of the car, taking the door from him and closing it.
“Happy Monday,” he said.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m proving to you that Friday was no trick, and I happen to enjoy spending time with you.” He stroked a finger down her arm, and without giving her a chance to pull away, he locked their fingers together. “See, not afraid for people to see.”
“I’ve got to go to my locker.” She tried to pull her hand away, but he wouldn’t let her. She stopped fighting him with a giggle. “Look, I know you want me to just relax about all this, but it’s really hard to do. I’m not trying to be a bitch. I’ve just got to get used to this.”
“You will. I won’t give you a reason not to. Let’s go.”
Walking across the parking lot, he saw guys and girls watching them. He made sure they could all see him holding her hand, so they wouldn’t doubt who she belonged to.
When he glanced over at Mike, his best friend smirked at him. He also checked the cheerleaders, and yes, they looked pissed. He didn’t care.
Ruby was his, and he’d already wasted so much time in not asking her out. He wasn’t willing to let that time go again.
“You know people are staring?”
“Yes.”
“You don’t care.”
“No.”
“I do.”
“Don’t let them win. I want to date you. I don’t want to do this in secret.” They stopped off at her locker. “So, I’m going to date you.”
She paused with her fingers on the dial. “Do you mean date or become, like, a couple? A couple means a lot more dates.”
He smiled. “I want you to be my girlfriend.”
“That’s a step up from dating.”
“That’s the logical progression that two people who date, do. They become a couple. Boyfriend and girlfriend.”
“You’ve thought about this a lot.”
“I figured you’d argue what I wanted.”
“So we’re a couple now?”
“Yes. Boyfriend and girlfriend.”
“We don’t kiss.”
“We don’t have to. Boyfriend and girlfriend who are currently in the first day of their brand-new relationship.”
She twisted the dial, and he could see her brain working. When the lock didn’t give, he took over, slamming his fist three times against the door, and it popped open.
“See, boyfriend material.”
“I see.” She released her bag and kept on watching him.
“What?”
“I’m just trying to figure out what you want from me. I’ve never been a girlfriend, and this is a new development from stargazing.”
“First, I’ve never had a girlfriend either. We’re both new to all of this. Secondly, you’re the only person I’ve ever taken to see the stars and talked about them. Third, I like you. I’m a West. I’m taught to go after everything I want in life.”
“And you’ve decided you want me.”
“Yes. I also know, I’ll be good for you.”
“Why?”
“Look at me, baby. I’m awesome.”
This made her laugh, and he loved the sound.
“Okay, so what does that mean for me?”
“You can’t sneak off to the library anymore. Your ass has to sit beside me at the cafeteria.”
“No, come on. It’s so quiet in the library.”
“I could bring all the guys to the library. That would be fun.”
“No, no, no. We’ll work it out.” She grabbed a few books, slamming her locker closed. “Next one?”
“I get to walk you to class. Holding your hand for all the world to see. You’re going to also have to come to a few games. Don’t worry, I’ll teach you when to cheer. You can even bring a book if you’d like.”
“This is going to be exhausting.”
“But fun. Never forget that. Totally fun. So much fun. Here we arrive at your first destination.” He lifted up their hands and kissed her knuckles. “I’ll be seeing you soon.”
“How did you know my first class?” she asked.
“I know a lot of things, and I’ve got a way of finding them out.” He wasn’t about to spill all of his secrets. Leaning in, he brushed his lips against her cheek. “I’ll respect your boundaries until you’re ready for my lips on yours. FYI, you’re going to love my kisses.”
With that, he pulled away, offered her a wink, and left.
Being a boyfriend was actually a lot of fun.
****
Ruby didn’t know if being a girlfriend was something she was cut out for. Sure, she loved him holding her hand, and got a buzz out of being escorted to her first class, but … the stares. Even when he wasn’t around, girls were talking behind their cupped hands, and they didn’t even make a show of trying to hide the fact they were talking about her.
She wasn’t fucking stupid!
She knew who they were talking about.
By the time lunch came, she wasn’t surprised to see Theo waiting for her, standing by her locker with that smirk on his lips.
“Hey, girlfriend. How is your day going?”
“Crappy. Yours, boyfriend?” She winced, not sure if calling him a boyfriend would work for her, but it did sound good though.
“It’s been awesome. I’m off the market. I’ve had five chicks ask me out, and I’ve been able to turn each of them down flat.”
He slammed his fist against her locker.
“You’re not sad about that?”
“Why would I be sad? I’ve got a girlfriend.”
“They will kiss you and probably do other things with you.”
He shrugged. “I don’t want to kiss just anyone. Besides, I can handle a cheek.” He leaned in close and kissed her cheek. “See, I like this. I like our boundaries. I can respect your wishes.”
“Why?”
“I like you.” He held his hand out. “Now, your turn.”
“I can’t stand people talking about me.”
“Ah, yes, I’ve heard. Some people think you’re pregnant.”
“What? How could they think that with one date?”
“I don’t know. They like to make up shit as they go along.” He held her hand all the way to the cafeteria.
She made him halt at the doors.
“What is it?” he asked.
“I don’t know if I can go in there.”
“Well, I can. No one is going to point or say shit while I’m with you.”
“I don’t think my life should be controlled by your mere presence, Theo.” She tried to pull her hand away, but again, he wouldn’t let her.
“You know, I thought you were above what other people thought of you.”
“I am.”
“Then why do you even care what they think? We had an amazing date. Are you really going to let a bunch of kids tell you what you can and cannot do?”
“No, of course not.”
“Good. Me neither.”
He pulled her into the cafeteria, and they went straight to the lunch line. Theo grabbed her hips and stood behind her.
She held the tray, and he rested his chin on her head.
“What looks good today, do you think?” he asked.
“Not the coleslaw.” She wrinkled her nose.
“You heard the rumors about all the staff spitting into it whenever one of us pisses them off?”
“Are you willing to risk it?”
“I don’t eat coleslaw. I don’t like raw cabbage.”
“Interesting.”
He hummed his approval. “Anything you don’t like?”
“Guys holding my hips and moving me down the line?” She giggled.
“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure they stop. That way, I’m the only one doing it. Since I’m your boyfriend, I get touching hip rights.” He gave her hips a squeeze. “And you like it.”
“You’re insane.”
“Only for you.”
They both settled on a couple of burgers and fries.
Her home had a power outage during the night, so her alarm didn’t go off, and she’d slept in, making it impossible for her to grab lunch from home. She’d had to leave straight away to arrive in time for school.
She hated cafeteria food, but she couldn’t be choosy today.
Theo wouldn’t let her pay. When they got to the lunch lady at the register he pulled out his wallet and paid for their food. Then, with his hands back on her hips, he walked her across the hall to his table. The guys were in shock, she could clearly see it, but they didn’t say a word, instead making room for the two of them. Theo made sure she sat down first before taking a seat beside her.
“Everyone, you know Ruby. Ruby, you know everyone.”
She held her hand up, feeling completely out of place. “Hey, everyone.”
“You two are a thing now? It’s not just a rumor?” Jake asked.
Ruby didn’t bother answering.
“She’s my exclusive girlfriend. You got a problem with it, take it up with me.”
“He likes to throw around the girlfriend word a lot,” she said, taking her burger.
“How long you been going out?” David asked.
They were all members of the football team, and she hated all the questions.
Theo didn’t seem to mind and took them all in stride. “Since Friday.”
“We’ve been official boyfriend and girlfriend since this morning,” she said, popping in a fry.
“Wow, you work fast.”
She didn’t catch who said that.
“Are you pregnant?”
She turned to Mike, knowing he was Theo’s best friend.
“No.”
“How can you be so sure?” another guy asked.
“Enough,” Theo said.
She was growing tired of all the questions. “Have you ever attended sex ed?” she asked.
“Yeah.”
“Then you know you’ve got to actually do something to get pregnant, right?”
“You’re saying you and Theo haven’t done anything?” David asked.
She raised her brow and glanced at Theo.
Her brand-new boyfriend was smirking. “What’s the matter, David?”
“I just can’t imagine you being a boyfriend without getting laid.”
“Well, I can’t imagine you playing ball whenever you’re on the bench.”
That stopped David from laughing.
“Ruby’s my girlfriend. She’s not to be made fun of, and you’re sure as shit not to be spreading rumors. You hear anything, you nip it in the bud,” Theo said.
She was surprised by his support and how serious he sounded as well.
“Why the fuck should we do that?” Jake asked.
“As your friend and as your captain, I’m asking you to make sure my girlfriend is taken care of, or are we only a team on the field?” Theo asked.
“You know we’ll take care of her and you,” Mike said.
Her heart pounded as one by one, the guys agreed. She couldn’t believe Theo would do that.
Staring at him now, she was a little … shocked. This time, she kissed his cheek and smiled.
“What was that for?”
“I think that’s one of the sweetest things you could have done.”
The table erupted in ahs at her.
Her face went red, but Theo didn’t seem to care.
“I take care of what’s mine.”
“I’m not property.”
“I know you’re not, but to these guys, you’re mine. I won’t have you feeling like shit around this school because I want to be your boyfriend. I’m proving to you this is not a trick. I’m not bullshitting you. I mean what I say.”
She was starting to get that about Theo.
Chapter Five
Ten more dates ensued over the next month. They were not only on a Friday but also a Saturday, and even through the week. Theo loved spending time with Ruby, as he knew he would.
Tonight, he’d be meeting her mother, and he knew she was nervous and saw it in her eyes when he walked to her locker later that day. She was gathering her books, and he took the bag from her, never wanting her to carry something so heavy. It had taken a month, but no one was shocked anymore to see them together.
“Are you sure you want to do this?”
“Your mom’s pizza night is supposed to be epic. What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn’t invite myself?”
“A sane one. I thought all boyfriends were supposed to be afraid to meet the parent.”
“They are, but I think this one will be cool.” He took her hand, and they walked out of high school together. His friends thought he was crazy, especially as they knew he still wasn’t getting any. Not that he told them, they just seemed to know.
Theo didn’t care what anyone thought.
He liked that he was having to work for it, that she wasn’t willing to have sex straight away, giving them both a chance to get to know one another.
Chasing after Ruby wasn’t about fucking her. She was different from other girls, and he certainly wasn’t about to ruin his chance with her for a quick fuck.
He’d picked her up from her house that morning, so he was driving them both. He’d offered to wear his uniform, but Ruby wasn’t impressed. She never fawned all over him when he wore it.
“Are there any topics you think I should avoid?” Theo asked.
“None. My mom’s a pretty open book. She’s cool about everything. I wouldn’t worry so much.”
“She sounds awesome.”
“I’m biased. I do think she is awesome, but you never know, I may see a whole new side to her with you.”
“You’re not helping.”
She chuckled. “I like this,” she said.
“What?”
“Being with you. Hanging out. Having fun.”
“Wait until we upgrade to the kissing part.”
She rolled her eyes, and he had no choice but to focus on the road.
The moment they pulled up outside of her house, he noticed Ruby tense up.
&
nbsp; “What is it?”
“I don’t know.” She unbuckled her seatbelt, and he had no choice but to follow her out.
Walking up the drive, he noticed how upset she was. She pulled out her key, opening the door.
“Mom, I’m home. I brought Theo with me.”
In the past month, he’d never known her to react like this.
She wouldn’t budge past the door. There was enough room for him to close it behind him, and then he turned to see the lady from the veterinary clinic where he’d gotten his dog, Scooch, dealt with after he ate chocolate he shouldn’t have done. Of course, he also knew Callie for another reason, but he wasn’t going to spill the beans on that little secret.
Beside Callie was a man, and Theo recognized him, even though he’d not been around town for a long time.
“What is this?” Ruby asked.
“Ruby!”
“Honey, hello, sweetie,” he said.
Theo placed a hand on her back, offering her comfort as he got a sense she really needed it in that moment.
“You okay?” he asked.
“This is your boyfriend,” Callie said, smiling.
He noticed Ruby hadn’t looked away from her father.
After a few seconds, she seemed to shake herself out of it. “Mom, this is Theo. Theo, this is my mom, Callie James.”
He shook her hand as he didn’t know what else to do. Turning to the guy, he waited another few awkward moments.
“This is my dad.”
She didn’t offer any name, and still, he shook his head, getting a sense he really didn’t want to get involved.
“Why’s he here?” Ruby asked, turning to her mother.
Shoving his hands back in his pockets, Theo really didn’t know what to say.
“Honey, he’s your father.”
“He left eight years ago.”
“And now I’m back,” he said.
“What’s going on? You’re just going to allow him to come back here? All is forgiven?”
“Sweetheart, we never actually got divorced, and he owns the house, and we’ve been trying to keep things amicable for you.”
“Wow, I can’t—”
“How about we sit down and have some pizza?” Ruby’s dad said. “I think that’s good for everyone, and we can just relax and get to know each other.”